Definition
An amendment designed to distract from the main bill or provoke partisan conflict rather than improve legislation. A magician's misdirection in legislative form.
Example Usage
The senator offered a red herring amendment about flag burning to distract from the controversial spending bill.
Origin
From the literal red herring (smoked fish with pungent smell) that hunters would use to confuse tracking dogs
Fun Fact
Red herring amendments often pass the chamber where they're offered because they contain just enough support to win procedurally
Source: Legislative strategy terminology
Related Terms
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